Parliamentary committee blast IT giants

A parliamentary committee has blasted major IT companies and their industry associations for "stonewalling" its inquiry into why Australians have to pay so much for their products.

The infrastructure and communications committee has warned companies such as Apple, Adobe and Microsoft they may be forced to give evidence about their business models and pricing structures if they continue to offer so little co-operation.

Committee chair, Labor's Nick Champion, and LNP deputy chair Paul Neville on Monday warned of tough action against the companies during a progress report on its inquiry into why IT hardware and software are much more expensive in Australia than overseas, particularly the United States.

Mr Champion said consumer groups had shown strong interest in the inquiry.

But it had received only "qualified and sporadic" co-operation from the industry.

He said the Australian Recording Industry Association initially declined to appear before the committee, but did turn up after several requests.

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) provided a submission and appeared, but was unable to give specific information about its members.

Mr Champion said once it became clear the major companies didn't intend to appear, AIIA was asked to reappear, but refused.

He said Apple made a confidential submission, but refused repeated requests to make a public submission or face the committee.

Adobe initially said it would be represented through the AIIA and finally provided some information on a confidential basis.

Microsoft made a submission, but was unwilling to appear before the committee.

Mr Champion said the tactic appeared to be to give "limited or little" co-operation, which was not good enough.

He said the committee faced the invidious choice of compelling attendance or reporting without hearing in detail from the companies.

Mr Neville described the companies' behaviour as "obstruction, avoidance and evasion".

While he was reluctant to subpoena people, that remained the ultimate sanction.